Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer blend comprising 15 to 70 Wt. % of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and/or of a PVOH copolymer as well as 30 to 85 Wt. % of a further polymer, to a method for preparing a polymer blend, to the use of a polymer blend for producing a packaging material and to a packaging material. The packaging material obtained from the polymer blend is characterized in particular by a low gas permeability and can be produced by means of cost-effective methods.

Abstract: High strength biomedical materials and processes for making the same are disclosed. Included in the disclosure are nanoporous hydrophilic solids that can be extruded with a high aspect ratio to make high strength medical catheters and other devices with lubricious and biocompatible surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for preparing a homogeneous solution of a polymer and melanin. The present invention further discloses a process for preparation of fibers and films from said homogeneous solution.

Abstract: Provided are low dust-content particulate polyvinyl alcohol-based compositions suitable for a variety of end uses including for use in subterranean treatments and for manufacturing chemical materials, which are prepared by compacting a specified polyvinyl alcohol polymer resins, optionally with specified additives and/or other polyvinyl alcohols.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane is formed by embedding a braid having a spiral open weave of monofilaments only, to avoid a “whiskering” problem. The open weave is characterized by contiguous, circumferential, rhomboid-shaped areas of polymer film separated by monofilaments. When the braid is supported on a plasticized PVA cable having a scalloped periphery, the braid can be infiltrated with membrane polymer which, when coagulated, embeds the braid positioning it around the lumen. The embedded spiral weave, free of any circumferentially constricting monofilament, allows the membrane to be biaxially distensible. The membrane has “give” not only in the axial or longitudinal direction but also in the radial direction. “Give” in the radial direction permits soiled membranes to be backwashed under higher pressure than in a comparable braid which is not radially distensible.

Abstract: A polymeric fiber for use in gas separation is formed from a spin dope which includes solvent and non-solvent materials. The fiber is passed through a quench bath, and then a leach bath, in which the solvent and non-solvent are removed. The quench bath and the leach bath include sets of rollers which transport the fiber through the system. Each set of rollers in the leach bath operates at a speed which is greater than or equal to the speed of the rollers which are immediately upstream. Thus, the fiber is stretched, in different amounts, at the same time that the solvent and non-solvent are being removed, and while the fiber is still wet. The resulting fiber has been found to exhibit superior flux and selectivity properties.

Abstract: The present application discloses an alternative method for the formation of non-woven with fibers in the 1 to 200 ?m range. Using an aqueous solution of gelatin (optionally with <30% of low molecular weight alcohol) the fibers are ejected utilizing pressurized air emitted from nozzle and the non-woven formed directly from the emitted thin fibers. The gelatin non-woven can be cross-linked by heat-treatment or chemical cross-linking, and the non-woven is biocompatible as measured by fibroblast growth in vitro and wound healing on pigs in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of composite fibers with an increased content of colloidal particles, made from a pre-fiber, comprising a polymeric binder and colloidal particles, during which the chemical structure of the polymeric binder is degraded at a temperature of the order of ambient temperature such as to at least partially eliminate the above. The invention further relates to a fiber comprising a polymeric binder and colloidal particles, combining an excellent mechanical strength and a content of colloidal particles greater than 70% by mass.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically homogeneous polyvinyl alcohol film having an excellent appearance without forming wrinkles and scratches and causing blocking of the film, the process comprising the steps of forming a polyvinyl alcohol film from a solution of a polyvinyl alcohol resin, and rolling up the film around a cylindrical core, wherein the surface hardness of the rolled up film is set to a Shore A hardness of 60 to 95 measured according to JIS K 6301 under conditions of 25° C. and 55% RH.

Abstract: A tool creates a fastener-receiving cavity within a foam-filled structure that includes a panel with a slot for receiving the fastener and foam backing that is cast in place against on the underside of the panel. The tool includes a clip and a plunger. The clip is inserted into the slot and has legs joined by a hinge. The plunger is inserted between the legs to spread the legs and fills the space between the spread-apart legs that would otherwise become filled with foam. After the foam is cast, the plunger is removed so that the legs can be returned to a closely spaced relationship and the clip is removed from the slot, leaving a cavity for subsequently receiving a fastener.

Abstract: A conductive polyvinyl alcohol fiber having good mechanical properties and heat resistance contains a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and copper sulfide nano-particles having a mean particle size of at most 50 nm which are finely dispersed in the polymer. The content of the nano-particles in the fiber is at least 0.5% by mass/polyvinyl acohol polymer, and the degree of polymer orientation is at least 60%.

Abstract: PVA binder fibers having the following characteristics: a cross-section circularity of at most 30%, a degree of swelling in water at 30° C. of at least 100%, and a degree of dissolution in water of at most 20%, are capable of being processed even under low-energy drying condition, for example, in high-speed drying in a hot air drying system (e.g., air-through drier) or in low-temperature drying in a multi-cylinder system or the like to give paper and nonwoven fabrics of high strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing shaped bodies, especially threads or foils, from at least one polymer of the groups consisting of polysaccharide, polysaccharide derivative or polyvinyl alcohol by forming a solution of the polymer that contains an additive in a solvent containing amine-N-oxide, extruding the solution and precipitating the extrudate by contacting with a coagulant. The invention is characterized in that at least two polymeric solutions are formed. At least one of the two polymeric solutions contains one or more finely distributed additives and the at least two polymeric solutions are simultaneously extruded forming a combined extrudate.

Abstract: EVAL microporous hydrophilic hollow fiber membranes are formed from a casting dope that includes low and high molecular weight pore-formers. Post-fabrication treatment includes stretching, hot water soaking and crosslinking.

Abstract: Cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol fibers prepared from a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, which satisfy the following requirements: (1) a water absorption in water at 30° C. ranging from 10 to 100 times the weight of the fibers; (2) a fiber diameter in water at 30° C. as a result of absorbing water ranging from 2 to 10 times the diameter of the fibers not having absorbed water; and (3) a melting point ranging from 160 to 220° C., and a heat of fusion ranging from 40 to 100 J/g.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically homogeneous polyvinyl alcohol film having an excellent appearance without forming wrinkles and scratches and causing blocking of the film, the process comprising the steps of forming a polyvinyl alcohol film from a solution of a polyvinyl alcohol resin, and rolling up the film around a cylindrical core, wherein the surface hardness of the rolled up film is set to a Shore A hardness of 60 to 95 measured according to JIS K 6301 under conditions of 25° C. and 55% RH.

Abstract: The invention provides pellets of a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer which are excellent in feedability, cause little fluctuation of extruder torque or discharge during molding, and yield shaped articles with high dimensional accuracy such as the high accuracy of form and thickness. The pellets of the invention are such that the differential curve representing the magnitude of change in the cumulative pore volume curve generated by measuring the fractional volume of surface pores by the mercury intrusion method has no peak within the pore diameter range of 1×102˜1×104 Å.

Abstract: Provided are melt-spun fibers comprising, as at least one component, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, and a method for producing fibrous structures comprising the fibers. The thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol fibers comprise, as at least one component, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol containing from 0.1 to 25 mol % of C1-4 &agr;-olefin units and/or vinyl ether units, having a molar fraction, based on vinyl alcohol units, of a hydroxyl group of vinyl alcohol unit located at the center of 3 successive vinyl alcohol unit chain in terms of triad expression of being from 70 to 99.9 mol %, having a carboxylic acid and lactone ring content of from 0.02 to 0.15 mol %, and having a melting point falling between 160° C. and 230° C., and contain from 0.0003 to 1 part by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the polyvinyl alcohol therein and in terms of sodium ion, of an alkali metal ion.

Abstract: Coagulation spinning produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, and yarns of carbon nanotubes. Stabilization, orientation, and shaping of spun materials are achieved by post-spinning processes. Advantages include the elimination of core-sheath effects due to carbonaceous contaminants, increasing mechanical properties, and eliminating dimensional instabilities in liquid electrolytes that previously prohibited the application of these spun materials in electrochemical devices. These advances enable the application of coagulation-spun carbon nanotube fibers, ribbons, and yarns in actuators, supercapacitors, and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to methods of making blend compositions of an unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a metallocene polyolefin or grafted metallocene polyolefin and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of making substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a metallocene polyolefin or grafted metallocene polyolefin.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to methods of making blend compositions of an unmodified poly vinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of making substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: Polyvinyl alcohol based fibers having good fatigue resistance, dipped cords comprising the polyvinyl alcohol based fibers and having good fatigue resistance, and a method for producing the dipped cords. The polyvinyl alcohol based fibers have a tan&dgr; at 90° C. of at least 0.12, substantially one peak of tan&dgr; within a temperature range of from 60 to 120° C., and an elongation at break of at least 12%.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to thermoplastic film and fiber structures and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A three stages process for the preparation of solid thermoplastic compositions based on polyvinyl alcohol comprising the mixing in a mixer of a first charge, comprising the polyvinyl alcohol and solid plasticizers, with a second charge constituted by one or more hydroxylated organic compounds selected from glycols, glycol ethers and alkanolamines and at least a salt of an alkaline and/or alkaline earth metal, and a third charge containing at least one or more solid polyhydroxylated alcohols, glycols and glycolic ethers, liquid alkanolamines, organic or inorganic mineral acids, hydrated inorganic salts, polymers having a low molecular weight, stabilizers and possible mineral charges, is described.

Abstract: A vinyl-alcohol-based polymer and vinyl-halide-based polymer are dissolved in a common organic solvent for them, a typical example of which is dimethylsulfoxide, to obtain a dope wherein a solution of the vinyl-halide-based polymer having a particle size of 1-50 .mu.m is present in the solution of the vinyl-alcohol-based polymer. This dope is spun into a low temperature solidifying bath comprising a solidifying solvent such as methanol, and the organic solvent. The resultant is subjected to extraction, drying, dry heat drawing, and optional heat shrinking or acetalization to obtain fiber. In the fiber thus obtained, the vinyl-alcohol-based polymer makes sea phases, and the vinyl-halide-based polymer makes island phases whose size is 0.1-3 .mu.m. The crystallinity degree of the vinyl-alcohol-based polymer is 65-85%.The polyvinyl-alcohol-based flame retardant fiber is useful for clothes, industrial materials, living materials and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing; a high water-containing elastomer medical catheter and a urinary catheter prepared by the process. The process comprises a) heating a mixture consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, water, sulfoxide and linear alkane, in a sealed vessel with agitating; b) pouring the resulting homogeneous fluid into a mould; c) solidifying the fluid by cooling; d) releasing the solidified fluid from the mould; and e) heat-treating the resulting medical catheter and washing with a polar organic solvent. The medical catheter and the urinary catheter of the present invention have excellent lubricity.

Abstract: A towel, sponge and gauze made from a plurality of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol that are only water soluble at temperatures above 37.degree. C. The polyvinyl alcohol fibers have a degree of hydrolysis of at least 80% with a degree of polymerization between approximately 300 to 3000.

Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.

Abstract: By dissolving a vinyl alcohol polymer (A) and an incompatible vinyl polymer (B), preferably an acrylonitrile polymer in a common solvent to prepare a spinning stock solution of a phase separation structure wherein the polymer (B) is present at particle sizes of 2 to 50 .mu.m, and wet spinning or dry-wet spinning the resulting spinning stock solution in a solidifying bath containing a mixture of an organic solvent capable of solidifying both the polymers (A) and (B) and the solvent of the spinning stock solution at a weight ratio of 25/75 to 85/15, thereby drawing the resulting yarn by 8-fold or more, a fiber is provided; and from the fiber can be produced a fibril with good hydrophilicity, a higher strength, and excellent heat fusion resistance, along with excellent wiping performance, filtering performance, micro-particle capturing properties and reinforcing performance, readily, stably and inexpensively.

Abstract: A polyimide fiber having textile physical property characteristics and the process of melt extruding same from a polyimide powder. Polyimide powder formed as the reaction product of the monomers 3,4'-ODA and ODPA, and endcapped with phthalic anhydride to control the molecular weight thereof, is melt extruded in the temperature range of 340.degree. C. to 360.degree. C. and at heights of 100.5 inches, 209 inches and 364.5 inches. The fibers obtained have a diameter in the range of 0.0068 inch to 0.0147 inch; a mean tensile strength in the range of 15.6 to 23.1 ksi; a mean modulus of 406 to 465 ksi; and a mean elongation in the range of 14 to 103%.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for cooling or quenching a tube extruded from a water soluble polymer includes a plurality of cooling rings with bores through which the extruded tube passes. A gaseous cooling medium, such as compressed air, is supplied to each cooling ring and is directed immediately downstream of the bore thereof to impinge upon and cool the tubing passing therethrough. The cooling medium is supplied annularly so as to maintain the just-extruded tubing concentric and keep it centered in the bore.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymer alloy which has a permanent hydrophilic nature, a sufficient mechanical strength and a high safety and which is suitable for the formation of hydrophilic porous membranes manufacturable by an industrially advantageous process can be prepared by blending an amorphous hydrophilic copolymer (X) containing 10 mole % or more of an ethylene unit, 10 to 60 mole % of a vinyl alcohol unit and 1 mole % or more of a vinyl acetate unit with a polyolefin (Y). Furthermore, this polymer alloy is also suitable for the formation of hydrophilic (porous) fibers having a sufficient mechanical strength and antistatic function.

Abstract: Towel, sponge and gauze products composed of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol resin. The fibers are selectively soluble in aqueous solutions only above approximately 93.degree. C. Polyvinyl alcohol fibers have a degree of hydrolysis of at least 99%, are composed of no more than 1/2% sodium acetate, 1/10% methyl alcohol and an average degree of polymerization between approximately 1300 to 1500. The polyvinyl alcohol fibers being produced by a process of dope extrusion.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing elastomeric fibers in which fibers are obtained by co-extruding an extrudable and curable .tbd.SiO-- containing material and an aqueous organic polymer solution into a coagulation bath. The .tbd.SiO-- containing material is surrounded by the coagulated organic polymer. The .tbd.SiO-- containing material is then cured inside the protective sheath that is formed, and thereafter the organic polymer sheath is dissolved to expose a continuous elastomeric fiber of the .tbd.SiO-- material.

Abstract: This invention provides reinforced composite structures consisting essentially of a matrix and a dispersed phase, where the matrix is a hydrogel containing water and a solubilized vinyl alcohol homopolymer, the dispersed phase contains a plurality of uniformly distributed acicular regions consisting of fibrils formed from a highly oriented crystalline vinyl alcohol polymer, where the diameter of the said fibrils is less than 1 millimeter, the aspect ratio of the fibrils is from 2:1 to 1000:1, and where the composite is characterized by a gradual transition in the degree of crystallinity at the interfaces between the matrix and the fibrils.

Abstract: A tire cord made of a multifilament yarn of polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of polymerization of at least 1500, the yarn having a tensile strength of at least 10 g/d and an index of hot water resistance of at least 50.

Abstract: An extrudable polyvinyl alcohol composition useful for packaging and molding applications is prepared by melt blending polyvinyl alcohol and thermoplastic modified starch to provide a product which has reduced water sensitivity, improved modulus and reduced elongation at high relative humidity.A method for extruding the polyvinyl alcohol composition comprises:adding sufficient energy to the polyvinyl alcohol composition to both melt it and essentially eliminate the polyvinyl alcohol crystallinity in the melt, andsimultaneously removing energy from the melt at a rate sufficient to avoid decomposition of the polyvinyl alcohol.The thermoplastic modified starch may be added to the polyvinyl alcohol before or during the melting of the polyvinyl alcohol and elimination of its crystallinity, or the starch may be blended with the thus treated polyvinyl alcohol and then melt extruding the polyvinyl alcohol/starch blend.

Abstract: Method for forming polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into surgical elements include forming a mixture of PVA and water into a film by vacuum pressing with a first force, heating, applying a second force two to two hundred times the firs force, drying the film to remove water to a content of less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the film, and molding the film into a desired shape.

Abstract: A multifilament yarn of polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of polymerization of at least 1500, the yarn having a tensile strength of at least 10 g/d and an index of hot water resistance of at least 50.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing a polarizing film based on polyvinyl alcohol and at least one dichroic substance by casting or extrusion of a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and a solvent, whereby the polyvinyl alcohol contains the dichroic substance, drying and stretching of the film by between 300 and 1200%, whereby, depending on the width of the unstretched film b.sub.o, a stretch gap l.sub.o is provided, satisfying the condition b.sub.o /l.sub.o <3, leads to higher dichroic extinction quotients.

Abstract: A multifilament yarn of polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of polymerization of at least 1500, the yarn having a tensile strength of at least 10 g/d and an index of hot water resistance of at least 50.

Abstract: A process for producing a high strength and high initial modulus polyvinyl alcohol monofilament yarn. The monofilament yarn is polyvinyl alcohol having a polymerization degree of from 1500 to 7000, a tensile strength of not less than 10 g/d and an initial modulus of not less than 200 g/d, with a fineness of 100 denier or more. The monofilament yarn is made by dry-wet spinning a spinning dope prepared by dissolving polyvinyl alcohol having a polymerization degree of from 1500 to 7000 in a solvent and stretching the resulting unstretched filament, where a plurality of filaments immediately after being spun from a spinning nozzle having a plurality of orifices are closely adhered and united into a substantially single strand in an inert atmosphere and then introduced into a coagulating bath or a cooling bath.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process in which a fiber is formed by spinning a melt or solution of a polymer through a capillary spinneret having a length/diameter (L/D) ratio equal to or greater than about 25:1, and fibers formed by such method

Abstract: High-strength polyvinyl alcohol fiber is provided by extruding a polyvinyl alcohol dope solution through a spinneret into a coagulating bath, the spinneret being located such that substantially only its dope-extruding surface contacts the coagulating bath. This process can produce stably and at a low cost polyvinyl alcohol fibers with excellent strength.

Abstract: This invention relates to hollow elongate articles such as tubing and fibers formed from non-crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol. The articles are prepared by extruding a solution of polyvinyl alcohol in the shape of the desired article into a coagulating bath concurrently with a stream of a non-solvent for the polymer. The stream occupies the area corresponding to the interior cavity of the article and prevents collapse of the cavity until the article has solidified in the coagulation bath.

Abstract: A method for extruding polyvinyl alcohol which comprisesadding sufficient energy to the polyvinyl alcohol to both melt it and essentially eliminate the crystallinity in the melt, andsimultaneously removing energy from the melt at a rate sufficient to avoid decomposition of the polyvinyl alcohol.Rapidly cooling the extruded melt reduces the heat history and improves the resulting color of the extrudable polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Provided are a polyvinyl alcohol fiber having a specific higher order structure, obtained by having the orientation and arrangement of molecular chains forming the fiber which comprises a crystalline region and an amorphous region lie in specific ranges to thereby making the fiber have a break-ing temperature in hot water of at least 125.degree. C., or further at least 130.degree. C. and be excellent in abrasion resistance, while maintaining the tenacity and the modulus of the fiber at high levels; and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration membrane formed of a polyvinyl formal resin having a recurring unit represented by the general formula (I), and a process for producing this ultrafiltration membrane: ##STR1## wherein n is 550 to 950.

Abstract: Provided is a high-performance PVA fiber and its production.Each filament of the PVA fiber of the present invention having a structure comprising an aggregate of substantially innumerable fibrils, the fiber has high strength, elastic modulus, and resistances to fatigue, hot water and chemicals and can be pulpified while keeping its excellent features such as high strength. The PVA fiber of the present invention cannot, even drawn to a high ratio, be readily whitened by virtue of its fibril-aggregate structure, and can hence be made still higher in performances. The PVA fiber can be obtained by adding to a PVA solution a relatively large amount of surface active agent, and wet or dry-jet-wet spinning the thus prepared dope solution into an aqueous alkaline coagulating bath.

Abstract: A high tenacity, high initial modulus polyvinyl alcohol fiber is produced by:(1) dissolving polyvinyl alcohol with a degree of polymerization of not less than 1,500 in a solvent capable of giving a 5 wt % polyvinyl alcohol solution and the solvent is further characterized in that the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum measured at 50.degree. C. after storage of the solution at 50.degree. C. for 96 hours following preparation thereof is substantially identical with that measured at 50.degree. C. immediately after preparation thereof, with peaks for the three kinds of hydroxyl groups of polyvinyl alcohol being clearly distinguishable in each nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum,(ii) forming filaments by spinning the spinning solution under conditions which satisfy the requirementsDs.ltoreq.5.0wherein Ds is the spinning stretch ratio defined as the ratio (V.sub.2 /V.sub.1) of the take off speed (V.sub.2) to the first take off roller speed (V.sub.